Lincolnshire’s non-league sides are entering the final stretch of the season with plenty still to play for, whether that is promotion pushes or battles to avoid relegation.
For many clubs across the county, every result now carries added significance as the campaign approaches its conclusion.
Boston United travelled to league leaders Rochdale hoping to extend a recent unbeaten run that has helped steer them towards safety. In the first half the Pilgrims looked comfortable against the division’s top side, containing Rochdale well while also creating a couple of opportunities of their own. Despite that, the contest remained goalless at the break.
The hosts began to show their quality after the restart, although Boston still had chances, including a notable moment in the 54th minute when Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila was denied as he raced through on goal. Rochdale eventually found the breakthrough in the 82nd minute when Tyler Smith scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. Boston nevertheless left with credit for a solid performance and appear to be settling safely into mid-table.
Gainsborough Trinity
Gainsborough Trinity, who remain in the hunt for promotion, were also away to league leaders as they visited Hebburn Town. Trinity began confidently but conceded a penalty during Hebburn’s first meaningful attack, Martin converting from the spot in the fifth minute. Five minutes later the hosts doubled their lead through Keywood.
The setback sparked Trinity into life. From their first free kick after the restart, Jack Leckie rose to head into the top corner and reduce the deficit. Chances followed at both ends, but the score remained 2-1 at half time. The second half was entertaining as both sides continued to push forward, though no further goals arrived. Despite the defeat, Trinity could take encouragement from much of their performance, and if that level continues a play-off place remains firmly within reach.
Lincoln United
Lincoln United were also facing league leaders, hosting Redcar Athletic in what proved to be a frantic contest. Redcar appeared the more dominant side in the first half, but United matched them with determination and organisation. The visitors had a player sent off in injury time before the break, yet the score remained goalless. The result continued to reflect the improvement United have shown since Dave Frecklington took charge, with recent performances helping to pull them away from the relegation places.
The support yesterday was outstanding. Let’s keep it going. 🤍#UTW 🤍 | 📸 Cannon Studio pic.twitter.com/llvVsxE8Ce
— Lincoln United FC (@LincolnUnited) March 8, 2026
United Counties League
In the United Counties League Premier Division North, Skegness Town travelled to leaders Sherwood, with Boston Town and Grantham Town both hoping the Seasiders could do them a favour. Skegness fell behind to an eighth-minute penalty but held their own for much of the first half and created three good chances to equalise, going into the break just 1-0 down.
The second half told a different story as Sherwood demonstrated why they sit at the top of the table, scoring four further goals to secure a convincing 5-0 victory.
Second-placed Boston Town hosted Kimberley Welfare and made a strong start. Limb opened the scoring from the penalty spot before also providing the assist for Munton to make it 2-0 inside 18 minutes. Kimberley responded quickly, pulling a goal back almost immediately, and the score remained 2-1 at half time.
The visitors equalised in the 52nd minute, but Boston responded strongly. Cotton restored the lead in the 74th minute and Kimberley’s problems worsened when they were reduced to ten men two minutes later. Boston held on for a valuable 3-2 win.
Grantham Town, sitting just below Boston in the table, travelled to Newark and Sherwood on the back of four straight victories. The Gingerbreads continued their impressive form with a dominant first half, taking the lead in the 23rd minute through a Terry Atere penalty. They maintained control after the break, Lee Shaw doubling the advantage in the 57th minute before Will Langford added a third two minutes later.
The results make the title race increasingly intriguing, with Sherwood on 68 points, Boston on 63 and Grantham on 60, although Grantham have two games in hand on the top two.
FULL-TIME: Eastwood Community 4-1 Harrowby United https://t.co/Iu9RZxuOvk pic.twitter.com/7mqmnrjx7J
— Eastwood CFC (@EastwoodCFCV2) March 7, 2026
At the bottom of the table, Harrowby United travelled to Eastwood knowing they needed points to aid their fight against relegation. Their task became harder in the 14th minute when Brad Wilson was sent off. Eastwood took the lead ten minutes later before Harrowby briefly rallied, equalising in the 41st minute to reach half time level.
With the extra man, however, Eastwood dominated the second half and scored three further goals to secure a 4-1 win, leaving Harrowby still battling near the foot of the table.
Spalding wobble
Spalding United faced a difficult trip to Needham Market as they attempted to maintain their lead at the top. Needham opened the scoring in the 26th minute and Spalding were unable to respond before half time. The hosts strengthened their grip on the game when they converted a penalty in the 61st minute, sealing a 2-0 victory. Spalding remain top, but their advantage is now just one point with Harborough holding three games in hand.
Elsewhere in the division, Stamford secured a vital result in their relegation fight with a 3-1 victory away at AFC Sudbury. Leon Lobjoit gave Stamford the lead in the 29th minute, though Sudbury equalised shortly after the restart in the 51st minute. Stamford responded well, Kai Sanchez-Tonge restoring the lead in the 73rd minute before Lobjoit added his second in stoppage time to seal an important win.
Pinchbeck United, another side fighting near the bottom, travelled to West Bridgford looking for points. It was an even first half that finished goalless, with Pinchbeck creating a couple of good opportunities. However, two goals in quick succession in the 74th and 76th minutes ended their resistance as West Bridgford secured a 2-0 win.
Sleaford Town were hoping to halt their losing run at home to Sandiacre Town, and new manager Jamie McGee had used the previous week’s postponement to bring several new players into the squad. Sandiacre started strongly, scoring from the penalty spot in the eighth minute, but Sleaford soon found their rhythm. Kyle Onyon equalised in the 19th minute before Ben Coleman gave the hosts a 2-1 lead just before half time.
Sleaford controlled much of the second half and wrapped up a deserved victory in stoppage time when Benji Zalewski added a third, the 3-1 win lifting them above Pinchbeck in the table.
That’s a huge 3 points! 🦓
Reece York’s 78th-minute strike proved decisive, securing the win for the Zebras in a hard-fought match. ⚽
Reece is available for sponsorship.
Today’s match was kindly sponsored by West Building Supplies Ltd — thank you for your support! 👏#UTZ🦓 pic.twitter.com/mZN4iqwW3Z
— Brigg Town FC (A Community Interest Club) (@officialbrigg) March 7, 2026
The final game of the weekend saw Brigg Town host Harrogate Railway as they looked to strengthen their play-off position. The first half was end-to-end but finished goalless. After the break, Brigg began to take control, although striker Reece Yorke was briefly forced off following a clash of heads.
Yorke soon returned and made the decisive contribution, scoring the winning goal in the 78th minute. There was a late scare when Harrogate appealed for a penalty deep into stoppage time, but the decision went Brigg’s way and they held on for a valuable three points.
With promotion hopes and relegation fears spread across the county, the closing weeks of the season promise a dramatic finish for Lincolnshire’s non-league clubs.